Responsible for performing professional and technical transit planning work focusing on both short and long range planning, facilities planning, and special project planning. Assisting with federal government transit programs, grant administration and working with the project manager to ensure appropriate compliance. The Planner will provide support to project managers, conduct research, compile information, and coordinate with other METRO departments and area agencies to implement METRO’s plans and programs. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Conducts required background research and data collection to support recommendations for system development, support on planning studies and pilot projects, state & federal grant applications and related reports.

Provides support in developing scopes of work and schedules, related budget cost controls, technical analysis and coordination, quality control, and general project delivery.

Provides support for development and maintenance of METRO’s Long Rang Plan.

Provides support for coordinating development of the Regional Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan which allows METRO to pursue federal funding for capital projects. Oversees the work of consultants retained to work on and support METRO’s transit program.

Meets with members of the public, outside firms, and other governmental agencies to coordinate project development.

Prepares and gives presentations to various audiences.

Conducts research and compiles information to respond to Senior Management and Board inquiries.

Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/ Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Environmental, Urban or Transportation Planning or related field.

Ability to interpret technical data with knowledge of transit systems is desired. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites – specifically MS Word, Power Point, Excel, and Access. ArcGIS knowledge and skills are desirable. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Must be a self starter interested in improving public transportation. Bilingual is a plus. Valid driver’s license is required.

Coordinates the identification and conceptual development of capital facilities and capital improvements, serves as project manager for planning studies and for various capital and programmatic components of the bus network, as well as for FTA required environmental studies. Acts as the Agency’s liaison in the coordination of regional multi-modal project development. Performa duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

Serves as Project Manager for METRO’s planning studies.

Coordinates with the City of Houston, Harris County, the multi-cities, management districts, and TIRZs to ensure the needs of transit are considered in the design of streets and public facilities.

Assists with development and maintenance of METRO’s regional long range plans.

Reviews plans and drawings for new or modified facilities that serve METRO passengers to ensure that those facilities will be easy to access for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/ Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Transportation or a related field preferred.

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in planning and technical analysis.

Knowledge of transportation and transit planning, knowledge of socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the area. Project management, coordination, analysis, and presentation skills. Computer skills to include all of MS Office software, use of word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software. Familiarity with architectural concepts, land use planning, ridership analysis and traffic analysis useful. Must have excellent verbal and writing skills. Must have very good presentation skills. AICP is desired but not required. Familiarity with new guidance on FTA Title VI Rights Requirements.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

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